Cardell Davis' appointment reversed the votes regarding Truman's fate, giving her the three votes needed to remain at her post. Truman had also been granted a temporary restraining order to prevent her removal.

In another twist today, activists Maralyn Mosley and Irene Johnson were arrested by police and accused of disorderly conduct following a confrontation with board members after the meeting.

Mosley, a frequent critic of the Housing Authority, has questioned the timing of Bell's unexpected replacement of Townsend, more than five months after his term's expiration.

The Housing Authority Board today also appointed board member Rev. Morrell Todd as its new chairman.

On the other side, board member Raymond Brooks, who as a past chairman had complained about Truman's leadership, lamented today's action. Brooks questioned the legality of the vote to reinstate.

"A decision had been made by the previous board. The new makeup of the board felt compelled to change it," he told AL.com in an interview this afternoon. "It was inappropriate."

Brooks said the only way the motion should have come to a vote was if it was raised by the prevailing side that initially fired Truman. Instead, Brooks said the board was given faulty advice by its lawyer to allow the vote.

"The majority of the board made their decision based on the guidance of HABD legal counsel, legal counsel who works for the individual that was suing us," Brooks said.